From April 2025, citizens of Switzerland and the European Union will be required to pay a 10-pound (11,21 franc) fee when they visit or travel through the United Kingdom. Here’s what you need to know about the changes.
As of January 8, 2025, all non-EU nationals who visit the towns and cities of the UK have to pay a 10-pound fee to do so. Passengers must organise and pay online for the so-called Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in advance of any short trip.
Now, it has been confirmed that the fee will also apply to Swiss nationals and citizens of EU and EEA countries, including babies and children, from April 2, 2025. The only exemptions to the new fee will be given to UK and Irish citizens, including UK and Irish citizens with dual nationality, and those with a valid visa or residence permit for the UK or Ireland.
The one-off payment of 10 pounds will cover trips to the UK for two years, during which travellers can enter and leave the country as many times as they like and spend up to 180 days there. Any non-UK citizen wishing to spend more than 180 days in the UK must apply for another, relevant visa.
Non-UK citizens and residents can apply for the ETA visa waiver through the UK government website or via the UK ETA mobile app. The application system will be opened up to EU and Swiss nationals in March 2025, ahead of the April implementation.
British authorities estimate processing times of three days, but since you cannot enter the UK until your visa is processed and waiting times may vary, it is best to make your application as early as possible.
You will need the application regardless of the transportation you are using, and you will also need the ETA if you are transiting the UK or the UK is not your final destination. For example, if you are a US citizen living in Switzerland on a residence permit and flying to Atlanta with a layover in London, you will still need the visa, even if you don’t leave the airport.
More information about the requirements and visa application process can be found on the UK government website.
This article originally appeared in IamExpat in Germany.
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